The head coach of Orlando Pirates has stunned fans with his announcement that he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the current season.
Currently, the team sits in second place in the South African Premier League, has reached the semifinals of the national cup, and is on the verge of securing a spot in the top four of Africa, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over MC Alger in the first quarterfinal of the CAF Champions League. Despite these successes, coach Riveiro has decided not to extend his contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2025.
In his statement, Riveiro did not provide all the details but hinted that the full explanation would come at a later time.
“My priority right now is our upcoming match against Polokwane City. It’s a tough game that requires our full attention and focus,” Riveiro said. “The time will come when I can share my thoughts on this decision. But right now, we have work to do. The season is far from over, and we still have a lot to achieve. Ideally, I would like to hold off on any announcements until the season ends, but that’s not possible. The club needs to plan for its future, and it’s only fair that they are given the opportunity to do so.”
Orlando Pirates will face Polokwane City on Saturday, April 5, in the South African Premier League. Following that, the team has two crucial playoff matches ahead: the second quarterfinal of the CAF Champions League against MC Alger on April 9, and on April 13, they will take on Marumo Gallants in the semifinals of the South African Cup. These matches will determine whether the “Buccaneers” can continue their journey or face elimination.
